Although it looks like a backwater the road where we parked is actually quite busy so some care is needed getting onto the track leading down towards Winterbourne Stickland.  This is a nice easy track along the edge of the fields.  A short stroll through the village took us to another track and on our way to Houghton Spring Farm where the fish farm can be seen on the left.  We went through the gate and turned right then headed up the hill.  When we reached the top we realised our error!  There was no way out and we should have been on the other side of the fence.  So we had to retrace our steps and then climb this quite steep hill all over again.  The path along here was quite overgrown and we were lucky that a group of eight or so walkers had just come along in the opposite direction and cleared the way a bit.  We eventually stopped for refreshments on the ridge where there is a broad track leading to Hedge End Farm.
After our break we dropped down into the valley and onto the road for a short while towards Turnworth before turning right towards Shepherd's Corner Farm.  Near here we found another of Dorset's contributions to the NHS supply chain.  Another right turn took us into Field Grove where we came across a charcoal burning operation that looked very efficient.  At the end of the woods the path became a bit more impenetrable.  We tried the field edge for a while but ended up with boots full of sharp seeds that forced us to spend a good ten minutes trying to pick our socks clean when we finally reached the road.  We were feeling the distance by then and so took the shortest route we could find through Broadley Wood and back to the car.
Rob joined us for lunch again at the Lambs Green Inn at a somewhat later than normal time for "lunch".

 It was a pretty hot and sunny day as you can see from the photos below. So we were getting rather warm by the time we reached the top of Pentridge Hill but the views looking back towards 6d Handley made it worthwhile.  It was great to see the lovely soft blue chicory flowers growing in the edge of the field.
There was a brief bit of shade going by Penury Knoll and then some more great views over to the east.
Dropping down to the Rifle Range we decided to stay off the main tracks and use the quite well trodden grassy ones that made it easier on the feet.  This worked fine until we wanted to cross Bokerley Ditch.  The paths are not where they are marked on the map, as we have found before, and we had to double back for a short distance before taking the track that led down to Bowling Green Lane.  Clive was disappointed to find that the name appeared meaningless!
It was a very enjoyable walk but we all agreed that 6.4 miles was long enough for today.
Lunch at The Lambs Green Inn was up to its usual standard but cold drinks replaced the normal pots of tea.  It was good to see the team back together again.  Though the holiday season is still with us and further absences may be recorded.